During the small overlap test, which targets the front driver-side bumper, a 40 mph (64 km/h) impact caused minimal disturbance to the cabin, with ample protection from the front and side curtain airbags, along with a marginal compression of the parking brake pedal – especially when compared with the previous test, which saw the pedal move nearly 43 centimetres inward, compared to 10 centimetres in the 2016 model.

The Top Safety Pick+ award also considers data from several other tests including roof strength, head restraints and side impact resistance. The plus sign indicates a “superior” rating earned by the Pilot’s optional front crash prevention system, which averted a collision in the 12 mph (19 km/h) track test and reduced the vehicle’s speed by half in the 25 mph (40 km/h) test. The system also includes a forward collision warning feature.

Ultimately, this means a low risk of significant injury in a similar, real-world crash. For a better idea of what that might look like, check out the IIHS video of the 2016 Honda Pilot during its small overlap test.